Hyundai has unveiled the Ioniq 9, a three-row, electric SUV globally, and the SUV will be able to accommodate up to seven occupants. The Ioniq 9 is also based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform (shared with Kia), that underpins other electric cars in the Hyundai range such as the Ioniq 5 as well as the Kia EV6.
The Ioniq 9 is based on Hyundai’s ‘Aerosthetic’ exterior design language, with the front-end featuring parametric pixels integrated into the LED lights. The streamlined nature of the Ioniq 9 results in a low drag coefficient of just 0.259 Cd, when fitted with digital side mirrors. Other aero-optimising solutions include a 3D-shaped underbody cover, hidden antennas, aerodynamic wheels and a new dual-motion active air flap system.
At 3130mm, the Ioniq 9 also boasts the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai model, which should translate to more space in the interiors. It is also the first Hyundai model to eliminate the roof antenna, with the functions divided between the windshield cover, instrument panel and tailgate glass for the GPS, radio, and FM/AM functions. In terms of the wheel options, you get 19-inch wheels as standard, with 20 and 21-inch wheels available as options, including a 21-inch Calligraphy design for the top-spec variants. The SUV can also be had with 16 exterior colour options.
The interiors of the Ioniq 9 get a flat floor with seating for six or seven occupants, with the Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows being capable of fully reclining and offering a leg rest for optimal comfort, allowing four people to rest during vehicle charging, depending on the configuration. You also get a panoramic sunroof. The Relaxation Seats also feature a dynamic touch massage function, while the second row of the Ioniq 9 introduces swivelling seats – allowing second and third row occupants to face each other when the vehicle is stationary.
The front row allows for a walk-through seating arrangement, while the SUV’s Universal Island 2.0 central storage space can be moved by up to 190mm, allowing passengers in the second row to access it easily. The interior also makes use of sustainable materials. You also get a floating dashboard, a panoramic curved display, slim air vents and ambient lighting on the Ioniq 9. In terms of colours, you can choose between the Obsidian Black colour scheme for the interior and six unique two-tone options. Additional features include the capability of OTA updates and a digital key function.
The Ioniq 9’s infotainment system includes a 12-inch digital cluster and a 12-inch integrated screen as part of the panoramic curved display. The standard in-car audio setup features an eight-speaker sound system, with the option of a premium Bose 14-speaker stereo. It also incorporates e-Active Sound Design (e-ASD), which outputs the virtual driving sound of an EV using the vehicle’s audio system. The Ioniq 9 also gets ADAS.
Underpinned by the E-GMP architecture, the Ioniq 9 gets a 110.3kWh battery and three variants – two long range variants with RWD and AWD, and a Performance variant with AWD only. The long range RWD produces a power output of up to 214bhp and delivers a range of 620km (WLTP estimated) on the long range RWD model with 19-inch wheels. The long range AWD produces up to 308bhp combined from both motors, while the Performance AWD variant produces a combined power of up to 429bhp. The 0-100kmph time of the Performance AWD is 5.2 seconds, while the long range AWD takes 6.7 seconds, and the long range RWD takes 9.4 seconds. The Ioniq 9 can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 24 minutes using a 350kW charger and it also gets vehicle-to-load (V2L) to charge your appliances. The Ioniq 9 also gets 400V/800V multi-charging capability.
The Ioniq 9 will go on sale in Korea and the United States in the first half of 2025, with sales beginning in Europe and other markets later. At the moment, it is unclear whether the Hyundai Ioniq 9 will be making it to the Indian market, and which spec of the EV SUV we would be getting in our market.